Mission Trails ROP

Congratulations to NC3’s September 2022 School on the Rise, Mission Trails ROP! This exceptional program was the first program to provide career and technical opportunities to the students of Salinas, California. Mission Trails ROP has expanded their programs to include Snap-on and Kubota after becoming an NC3 Leadership School in 2021! Their devotion to career and technical education is evident through their rapid expansion of NC3 certification offerings.

Kubota Tech Program

Mission Trails ROP | NC3 Partnership

Ivonne Glenn, director of Mission Trails, has worked in education for two decades. Transitioning through the years from instructional roles to administrative positions, Ms. Glenn describes her work in education as a calling. Her connection to career and technical education began when she attended a vocational high school. She attributes the continued success of her career to her experience with CTE as a young adult. 

As the Director of Mission Trails, Ms. Glenn and her colleagues sought opportunities to partner with organizations who possess similar goals for students.

“We saw a wonderful opportunity to align our mission for our students with NC3. We found that when students earn industry certifications, it is a tangible way to progress in the workforce quickly. We provide certifications to high school students to minimize the amount of time between graduation and gaining employment”.

~ Ivonne Glenn, Director of Mission Trails ROP

The CTE programs offered at Mission Trails serve a population of students who may have difficulty finding employment after high school. 75% of the program’s students live in low income households, while 25% of students are currently learning English as a second language. Ms. Glenn said, 

“The need for our students to have a better economic turnaround makes a big difference for them and their families. We find the value in what is done on NC3’s end. That’s why we chose NC3”. 

~ Ivonne Glenn, Director of Mission Trails ROP

The motivation of the educators and administration at Mission Trails focus on establishing clear pathways for students to begin their careers. One of their goals is to help students identify different ways to achieve educational, personal, and career goals. In less than a year of becoming an NC3 certification center, Mission Trails has established two full career pathways for students. Ms. Glenn said, 

“The traditional pathways are realities for very few people. Issuing industry certifications has been a breath of fresh air because of the way NC3 has supported us in the process. It’s been very effective in a short amount of time”. 

~ Ivonne Glenn, Director of Mission Trails ROP

The relationship with industry partners offered by NC3 is unique. Before partnering with NC3, Mission Trails had been missing the connection to what employers expected from their graduates. Ms. Glenn described the significance of giving instructors and students access to industry equipment. She said, 

“Having the industry partners on our side, providing us with real life equipment helps students understand through hands-on learning. It’s exactly what we were looking for. The equipment helps validate what we’re doing in our facilities.”

~ Ivonne Glenn, Director of Mission Trails ROP

Mission Trails seeks to prepare high school students for college, career, and life. NC3 hopes to continue empowering Mission Trails to exceed their community’s educational and workforce needs. Ms. Glenn remains most proud of the instructors at Mission Trails. She thanks them for the endless hours they’ve invested to support the process of issuing NC3 certifications.

The future is bright for Mission Trails, and we are excited for what’s to come! Congratulations again to Mission Trails ROP! Thank you for choosing NC3 as part of your commitment to career and technical education. 

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Stay tuned for our next School on the Rise recipient in October 2022!

Questions about NC3’s School on the Rise? Please contact Erika Staackmann, Customer Success Coordinator, 847.533.6985, Erika.Staackmann@nc3.net